I love being Shai

I love being Shai thumbnail.

My name is Shai and I am 23 years old. Being born with Down syndrome has not stopped me from having an amazing life where I work hard to reach my dreams.
I love and am involved in many things around my home town. I am a dancer and dance with the BrightStars. I am a co-director of Pulse, [an arts program] showcasing everyone’s ability to sing and dance and perform. I am again going to co-direct another production this year. I was the choreographer for the performance. Pulse was very successful and I loved it.
I am also an actress and had a role as a police officer in the musical ‘The Who’s Tommy’
I work as a receptionist and assist my boss and complete many duties. I sometimes need to work around town to collect different things my work place requires. I do this all on my own.
I love working with children and I completed a Certificate III in child care in 2017!
I started working in partnership in my own child care business. We have 5 children most days and it’s very busy.

I also won the Tasmanian young achiever award for the Disability sector and I am proud of myself. I donated the money to Pulse so we can use the money to help fund another production.
I was also a finalist in the Young Australian of the Year form my work in Pulse.

I am able to be who I am because my mum and dad and brother always support me and help me.

I love being Shai.